Shown verbatim: the complete text as captured from the official PDF posted by the Kentucky General Assembly, fetched 2026-09-25. Page and line markers are part of the official record; nothing is edited or removed. This is the current version. The official bill page.
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 AN ACT relating to tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product licensure and declaring an
2 emergency.
3 Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:
4 SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS 438.305 TO 438.350 IS CREATED
5 TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
6 (1) As used in this section:
7 (a) "Pipe tobacco" means any tobacco which, because of its appearance, type,
8 packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to or
9 purchased by consumers as tobacco to be smoked in a pipe; and
10 (b) "Premium cigar" means a cigar that:
11 1. Is wrapped in whole leaf tobacco;
12 2. Contains a one hundred percent (100%) leaf tobacco binder;
13 3. Is made by manually combining the wrapper, filler, and binder;
14 4. Has no filter, tip, or nontobacco mouthpiece and is capped by hand;
15 and
16 5. Weighs more than six (6) pounds per one thousand (1,000) units.
17 (2) (a) A retailer shall notify a consumer placing an order for any tobacco
18 products, alternative nicotine products, or vapor products that the shipment
19 or delivery shall not be completed unless the recipient of the shipment or
20 delivery provides a valid identification document at the time of the shipment
21 or delivery verifying that the recipient is at least twenty-one (21) years of
22 age.
23 (b) For purposes of this subsection, tobacco products shall not include
24 premium cigars or pipe tobacco.
25 (c) All tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or vapor product
26 containers shipped or delivered to a consumer shall be conspicuously
27 labeled with the words: "CONTAINS TOBACCO OR NICOTINE
Page 1 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 PRODUCTS."
2 (3) At the time of delivery, the recipient of the shipment or delivery shall present to
3 the individual delivering the package a valid identification document. Prior to
4 transferring possession of the package, the individual delivering the package
5 shall visually inspect the document and verify the identity of the recipient and, by
6 visual examination or by using age verification technology, that the recipient is at
7 least twenty-one (21) years of age.
8 (4) Before transferring possession of the package, the individual delivering the
9 package shall obtain the signature of the recipient of the shipment or delivery.
10 The individual who receives and signs for the tobacco products, alternative
11 nicotine products, or vapor products is not required to be the consumer who
12 purchased the tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or vapor products.
13 (5) A retailer or common or private carrier that fails to comply with this section
14 shall:
15 (a) For the first offense, be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine of five
16 hundred dollars ($500); and
17 (b) For each subsequent offense, be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine of
18 one thousand dollars ($1,000).
19 (6) A consumer who intentionally causes an unlawful shipment or delivery under
20 this section shall:
21 (a) For the first offense, be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine of two
22 hundred fifty dollars ($250); and
23 (b) For each subsequent offense, be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine of
24 five hundred dollars ($500).
25 The retailer and the common or private carrier shall not be liable for a violation
26 of this subsection.
27 (7) If a common or private carrier is unable to complete delivery under this section,
Page 2 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 the tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or vapor products shall be
2 returned to the retailer.
3 (8) For purposes of this section, tobacco products shall not include premium cigars
4 or pipe tobacco.
5 (9) This section shall not be construed to authorize any person under twenty-one (21)
6 years of age to order, purchase, receive, or use tobacco products.
7 SECTION 2. A NEW SECTION OF KRS 438.305 TO 438.350 IS CREATED
8 TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
9 (1) The annual license application required in Section 5 of this Act shall contain
10 only the following information, given under oath:
11 (a) The name, age, Social Security number, federal employer identification
12 number, telephone number, email address, business address, and citizenship
13 of each applicant;
14 (b) If the applicant is a partner, the name, age, Social Security number,
15 business address, and citizenship of each partner and the name and address
16 of the partnership;
17 (c) The name, age, Social Security number, business address, residence, and
18 citizenship of each individual or partner interested in the business for which
19 the license is sought, together with the nature of that interest, and, if the
20 applicant is a corporation, limited partnership company, limited liability
21 company, or other business entity recognized by law, the name, age, Social
22 Security number, and address of each principal owner, member, officer,
23 and director of the applicant. The department may require the names of all
24 owners and the ownership percentage held by each;
25 (d) The premises to be licensed, stating the street and number, if the premises
26 has a street number, and a description that will reasonably indicate the
27 location of the premises;
Page 3 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 (e) 1. Proof of occupancy, to include:
2 a. A copy of the lease or deed for the premises to be licensed, if not
3 currently on file with the department under a license issued
4 pursuant to KRS Chapter 243; or
5 b. Certification from a landlord or landowner stating that the
6 property can be used for the purpose in which the application
7 has been filed for the premise to be licensed.
8 2. If a change of ownership requires a resubmission pursuant to Section
9 5 of this Act, a copy of the revised lease or deed or certificate from a
10 landlord or landowner for the premises to be licensed shall be
11 included;
12 (f) Proof of registration with the Department of Revenue pursuant to KRS
13 139.390; and
14 (g) 1. A statement that neither the applicant nor any other person referred to
15 in this section has been convicted of:
16 a. Any misdemeanor directly or indirectly attributable to the sale of
17 illicit substances or illegal tobacco, nicotine, or vapor products;
18 b. Any violation involving a controlled substance that is described
19 in or classified pursuant to KRS Chapter 218A within the two (2)
20 years immediately preceding the application;
21 c. Any felony within five (5) years from the later of the date of
22 parole or the date of conviction; or
23 d. Knowingly providing false information to the department
24 preceding the application.
25 2. A statement that the applicant or any other person referred to in this
26 section has not had any license that has been issued under KRS
27 Chapter 438 revoked for cause within two (2) years prior to the date of
Page 4 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 the application.
2 (2) (a) The renewal license form required in Section 5 of this Act shall only provide
3 for information in the event of a material change.
4 (b) As used in this subsection, "material change" means:
5 1. A change of:
6 a. Ownership;
7 b. Lease or deed status; or
8 c. Business address; and
9 2. Any civil or criminal violations.
10 (3) If, after a license has been issued, there is a change in any of the facts required to
11 be set forth in the application, a verified supplemental statement in writing giving
12 notice of the change shall be filed with the department within ten (10) days after
13 the change.
14 (4) In giving any notice or taking any action in reference to a license, the department
15 may rely upon the information furnished in the application or in the
16 supplemental statement connected with the application as accurate and truthful.
17 The information required to be furnished in the application or supplemental
18 statement shall be deemed material in any prosecution for perjury.
19 (5) The department shall not have the authority to establish any additional
20 requirements for licensure or licensure renewal beyond those statutorily required.
21 (6) (a) Within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this Act, the department shall
22 publish and maintain on its website the required application, renewal form,
23 and instructions for an annual tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license.
24 (b) The application, renewal form, and instructions shall:
25 1. Be public-facing;
26 2. Be published outside of the department's licensure portal;
27 3. Not require a person to log into an account for access; and
Page 5 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 4. Have a quick link for easy access on a main tab or section of the
2 department's website.
3 Section 3. KRS 438.306 is amended to read as follows:
4 (1) Each retailer shall, upon organizational filing or application for certificate of
5 authority to the Secretary of State and upon its annual report, state whether it is
6 involved in the retail sale of authorized nicotine vapor products.
7 (2) The Secretary of State shall:
8 (a) Create a list of retailers that sell authorized nicotine vapor products;[ and]
9 (b) Provide the list of retailers created under paragraph (a) of this subsection to
10 the department and the Department of Revenue on a monthly basis; and
11 (c) Prior to June 30 of each calendar year, as a part of the electronic
12 notification reminder to each business to submit its annual report, notify
13 retailers that a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license is required to sell
14 authorized nicotine vapor products.
15 Section 4. KRS 438.3061 is amended to read as follows:
16 (1) A person, firm, or corporation shall not operate as a retailer selling alternative
17 nicotine products, tobacco products, or authorized nicotine vapor products in or on
18 any premises in the Commonwealth without first obtaining a tobacco, nicotine, or
19 vapor product license issued by the department. The department may issue:
20 (a) A tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license that may be renewed annually;
21 (b) 1. A temporary tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license for use at
22 fairs, festivals, and other similar events.
23 2. A temporary license issued under this paragraph shall be valid for no
24 more than thirty (30) days.
25 3. The department shall approve or deny every application for a
26 temporary tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license within fourteen
27 (14) business days; and
Page 6 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 (c) Any other special or temporary license the department deems necessary.
2 (2) (a) Any person who, by himself or herself or through another, directly or
3 indirectly, violates subsection (1) of this section shall be subject to the
4 penalties in KRS 243.990(2).
5 (b) On and after November 1, 2026, the department shall confiscate all
6 alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, or authorized nicotine
7 vapor products from any person, firm, or corporation that violates
8 subsection (1) of this section.
9 Section 5. KRS 438.3063 is amended to read as follows:
10 (1) (a) 1. Each applicant shall apply[application] for an initial[a] tobacco,
11 nicotine, or vapor product license on[shall be made in] a form
12 prescribed by the department in accordance with Section 2 of this Act,
13 accompanied with a nonrefundable application fee of fifty dollars ($50)[
14 and any supporting documentation required by the department].
15 2. The department shall have the form published to its website within
16 thirty (30) days of the effective date of this Act.
17 (b) The application fee shall be applied to the licensing fee if the license is issued.
18 If no license is issued, the licensing fee required in subsection (4) of this
19 section shall be refunded to the applicant and the application fee shall be
20 retained by the department.
21 (2) A tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license shall:
22 (a) Be accompanied with a licensure renewal form for an annual license and a
23 licensing fee required in subsection (4) of this section[renewed annually];
24 (b) Remain in full force and effect for one (1) year from the date of issuance for
25 an annual license and for thirty (30) days for a temporary license unless it is
26 surrendered by the licensee, suspended, or revoked; and
27 (c) Be posted in a conspicuous place in the location[premises] of the business
Page 7 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 where alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, or authorized nicotine
2 vapor products are sold.
3 (3) (a) As used in this subsection, "batch license" means to apply for or renew:
4 1. Multiple tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product licenses for multiple
5 premises; or
6 2. A tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license, or multiple licenses for
7 multiple premises, in conjunction with one (1) or more licenses
8 authorized under KRS Chapter 243.
9 (b) 1. A retailer with a license issued by the department and operating under
10 KRS Chapter 243 may initiate the application process to obtain a
11 tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license on the date of its next
12 alcohol license renewal or renew a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product
13 license on the date of its next alcohol license renewal.
14 2. An applicant seeking to obtain a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product
15 license or a licensee seeking to renew a license may batch license
16 using a singular application or renewal form pursuant to paragraph
17 (c) of this subsection.
18 3. A licensee may batch license:
19 a. On the date of its next alcohol licensure renewal pursuant to
20 KRS Chapter 243; or
21 b. One (1) year from the date of issuance of its tobacco, nicotine, or
22 vapor product license.
23 4. If an applicant or licensee chooses to batch license, the fee required in
24 subsection (4) of this section shall be multiplied by the number of
25 premises to be licensed or premises to be renewed.
26 (c) The department shall provide a singular application option and a singular
27 renewal form option for businesses or retailers seeking to batch license.
Page 8 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 (d) A retailer or business seeking annual licensure may choose not to batch
2 license and may apply for its tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license
3 individually on any date throughout the calendar year and renew its license
4 one (1) year from the date of issuance.
5 (4) (a) The fee for an annual[a] tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license shall be
6 five hundred dollars ($500) per year for each licensed premises and the fee
7 shall be made payable to the State Treasury.
8 (b) The fee for a thirty (30) day temporary tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product
9 license shall be fifty dollars ($50) for each event, and the fee shall be made
10 payable to the State Treasurer.
11 (c) All of the fees paid into the State Treasury for state licenses shall be credited
12 to a revolving trust and agency account as provided in KRS 438.337 for the
13 department.
14 (5) (a) Prior to denial or notification of failure to renew, if the department
15 identifies any error or omission in any application submitted for issuance or
16 renewal of a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license:
17 1. The department shall notify the applicant of the error within seven (7)
18 business days of its discovery;
19 2. The applicant shall be granted a grace period of thirty (30) days for
20 correction; and
21 3. The department shall review the correction within seven (7) business
22 days of the submitted correction.
23 (b) The department shall issue the license or permit within fourteen (14)
24 business days of the date the application is complete.
25 (6) The tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license shall not be transferred from one (1)
26 person to another or from one (1) premises to another premises.
27 (7)[(6)] (a) If a retailer has a change of ownership, the new owner shall provide
Page 9 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 written notice to the department of the change in ownership no later than
2 fifteen (15) days prior to the transaction or sale closing, and the notice shall
3 include:
4 1. The initial licensing application established in subsection (1) of this
5 section; and
6 2. The licensing fee required in subsection (4) of this section.
7 (b) The department shall issue the license within fourteen (14) business days of
8 the date the notice and application is received[A new tobacco, nicotine, or
9 vapor product license shall be required when a retailer has a change in
10 ownership].
11 Section 6. KRS 438.3067 is amended to read as follows:
12 (1) (a) Except as provided in subsections (5) and (7) of Section 5 of this Act, the
13 commissioner shall approve or deny every application for a tobacco, nicotine,
14 or vapor product license within fourteen (14) business days.
15 (b) If a retailer has submitted an application and the department has not issued
16 a license or denial, or notified of failure to renew within fourteen (14)
17 business days, a retailer shall not be subject to any penalties during or after
18 the required fourteen (14) business days until the department has issued the
19 license or denial, or notified of failure to renew to the retailer.
20 (2) A license shall only be denied if the:
21 (a) 1. Application required in Section 5 of this Act is incomplete; and
22 2. Applicant has been given the opportunity to correct an application as
23 required in Section 5 of this Act;
24 (b) Licensing fee required in Section 5 of this Act is not remitted with the
25 application;
26 (c) Applicant or business owners are not twenty-one (21) years of age or older;
27 (d) Applicant or business owners have a tax delinquency due to the Department
Page 10 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 of Revenue, unless the applicant or business owners have an approved
2 payment agreement with the Department of Revenue; or
3 (e) Applicant has committed any act for which a license would be revoked
4 pursuant to Section 7 of this Act.
5 (3) If the application is denied, the:
6 (a) License shall not be issued;
7 (b) Applicant shall be notified of the commissioner's denial, which shall include
8 the reason for the denial; and
9 (c) Applicant may, within thirty (30) days, appeal the denial and request an
10 administrative hearing on the matter in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B.
11 (4)[(3)] (a) If the commissioner revokes a license pursuant to KRS 438.3069, the
12 commissioner shall:
13 1. Notify the applicant within ten (10) days of the decision to revoke the
14 license; and
15 2. Upon the request of a denied licensee, commence a hearing on the
16 license revocation in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B.
17 (b) Revocation of a license subject to KRS 438.305 to 438.350, as it relates to the
18 regulation of alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, and vapor
19 products, for any reason shall result in the inability of a retailer to reapply for
20 a license for two (2) years.
21 (c) 1. A final order of the commissioner shall be appealable to the Franklin
22 Circuit Court.
23 2. The licensee may, within thirty (30) days, appeal the final order and
24 request an administrative hearing on the matter in accordance with KRS
25 Chapter 13B.
26 Section 7. KRS 438.3069 is amended to read as follows:
27 A license may be revoked or suspended by the commissioner for a violation of:
Page 11 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 (1) Any of the provisions of KRS 438.305 to 438.350, as they relate to the regulation
2 of alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, and vapor products, except as
3 provided in Section 8 of this Act and KRS 438.312, in which the schedule of
4 penalty of each respective statute shall be followed;
5 (2) Any administrative regulation of the department relating to the regulation of the
6 manufacture, sale, and transportation of alternative nicotine products, tobacco
7 products, or vapor products;
8 (3) Any administrative regulation of the Department of Revenue relating to the taxation
9 of alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, or vapor products;
10 (4) Any Act of Congress or any rule or regulation of any federal board, agency, or
11 commission; or
12 (5) [Any of the laws, regulations, or ordinances referred to in this section when an
13 agent, servant, or employee of the licensee committed the violation, irrespective of
14 whether the licensee knew of or permitted the violation or whether the violation
15 was committed in disobedience of the licensee's instructions;
16 (6) Any cause which the department in the exercise of its sound discretion deems
17 sufficient; or
18 (7) ]Any of the reasons for which the commissioner would have been required to deny
19 a license if existing material facts had been known.
20 Section 8. KRS 438.310 is amended to read as follows:
21 (1) A[No] person shall not sell or cause to be sold any tobacco product or alternative
22 nicotine product at retail to any person under the age of twenty-one (21), or solicit
23 any person under the age of twenty-one (21) to purchase any tobacco product or
24 alternative nicotine product at retail.
25 (2) Any person who sells tobacco products or alternative nicotine products at retail
26 shall cause to be posted in a conspicuous place in his or her establishment a notice
27 stating that it is illegal to sell tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or
Page 12 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 vapor products to persons under age twenty-one (21).
2 (3) Any person selling tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or vapor
3 products shall require proof of age from a prospective buyer or recipient if the
4 person has reason to believe that the prospective buyer or recipient is under the age
5 of twenty-one (21).
6 (4) A person who violates subsection (1) or (2) of this section shall be subject to a:
7 (a) One hundred dollar ($100) fine to the retail sales clerk for a first citation and a
8 notice to the owner of a retail establishment which details the violation;
9 (b) One hundred dollar ($100) fine to the retail sales clerk and an additional five
10 hundred dollar ($500) fine to the owner of a retail establishment for a second
11 citation;
12 (c) One hundred dollar ($100) fine to the retail sales clerk and an additional one
13 thousand dollar ($1,000) fine to the owner of a retail establishment for a third
14 citation; and
15 (d) Revocation of the tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license upon a fourth
16 citation. Revocation for any fourth and subsequent citation within a two (2)
17 year period shall result in the inability to reapply for a license for two (2)
18 years.
19 (5) Each citation shall be specific to the premises of the retail establishment where the
20 violation occurred.
21 (6) The fine shall be imposed and collected by the department using a civil
22 enforcement procedure.
23 (7) A retailer shall be prohibited from renewing its license until all fines incurred under
24 KRS 438.305 to 438.350 as they relate to the regulation of alternative nicotine
25 products, tobacco products, and vapor products are paid.
26 Section 9. KRS 438.316 is amended to read as follows:
27 (1) A retailer of nicotine vapor products containing nicotine shall only sell authorized
Page 13 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 nicotine vapor products.
2 (2) Any retailer that violates this section shall be subject to a:
3 (a) Five hundred dollar ($500) fine to the owner of a retail establishment for a
4 first citation issued for a violation of this section;
5 (b) One thousand dollar ($1,000) fine to the owner of a retail establishment for a
6 second or subsequent citation issued for a violation of this section; and
7 (c) Revocation of the tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license upon a fourth
8 citation, which shall result in the inability to reapply for a tobacco, nicotine, or
9 vapor product license for two (2) years.
10 (3) Each citation shall be specific to the premises of the retail establishment where the
11 violation occurred.
12 (4) Any retailer with unpaid fines under this section that are more than sixty (60) days
13 overdue shall lose the ability to lawfully sell vapor products until the fines are paid.
14 (5) A retailer shall have an affirmative defense to a violation of selling an unauthorized
15 vapor product if the retailer can establish:
16 (a) Proof of an official material change in the status of a vapor product under
17 review by the FDA within forty-five (45) days of the issuance of the citation;
18 or
19 (b) Proof received under KRS 438.308(1)(b) that the product is an authorized
20 nicotine vapor product.
21 Section 10. KRS 438.330 is amended to read as follows:
22 (1) Except as provided in KRS 438.337, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
23 and the Department of Agriculture shall carry out annually conducted random,
24 unannounced inspections of retail establishments where tobacco products,
25 alternative nicotine products, or vapor products are sold or distributed for the
26 purpose of enforcing the provisions of KRS 438.305 to 438.350 as they relate to
27 the regulation of alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, and vapor
Page 14 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 products. The inspections shall be conducted to the extent necessary to assure that
2 the Commonwealth remains in compliance with Pub. L. No. 102-321 and applicable
3 federal regulations. The department and the Department of Agriculture shall also
4 ensure that targeted inspections are conducted at those retail establishments where,
5 and at those times when, persons under the age of twenty-one (21) years are most
6 likely to purchase tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or vapor
7 products. Persons under the age of twenty-one (21) years may be used to test
8 compliance with the provisions of KRS 438.305 to 438.350 as they relate to the
9 regulation of alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, and vapor products
10 only if the testing is conducted under the direct supervision of the department,
11 sheriff, or chief of police, or their employees, and written parental consent has been
12 obtained. The department shall prepare annually, for submission by the Governor to
13 the secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the
14 report required by Section 1926 of Subpart 1 of Part B of Title XIX of the Federal
15 Public Health Service Act.
16 (2) The department shall develop and implement the survey sampling methodologies to
17 carry out the inspections as described in this section.
18 Section 11. KRS 438.340 is amended to read as follows:
19 (1) The department and the Department of Agriculture are authorized to promulgate
20 administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A as necessary to implement
21 and carry out the provisions of KRS 438.305 to 438.350, including establishing a
22 procedure for administering citations, issuing orders, adjusting fees, and filing
23 appeals under this section and KRS 438.3067 for any violation of the provisions of
24 KRS 438.305 to 438.350, order of the commissioner, or administrative regulations
25 promulgated by the department.
26 (2) The department shall promulgate administrative regulations relating to tobacco,
27 nicotine, and vapor licensing in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A within thirty
Page 15 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 (30) days of the effective date of this Act.
2 SECTION 12. A NEW SECTION OF KRS 438.305 TO 438.350 IS CREATED
3 TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
4 (1) The temporary license application required in Section 5 of this Act shall contain
5 only the following information, given under oath:
6 (a) The name, age, Social Security number, federal employer identification
7 number, telephone number, email address, business address, and citizenship
8 of each applicant;
9 (b) If the applicant is a partner, the name, age, Social Security number,
10 business address, and citizenship of each partner and the name and address
11 of the partnership;
12 (c) The name, age, Social Security number, business address, residence, and
13 citizenship of each individual or partner interested in the business for which
14 the license is sought, together with the nature of that interest, and, if the
15 applicant is a corporation, limited partnership company, limited liability
16 company, or other business entity recognized by law, the name, age, Social
17 Security number, and address of each principal owner, member, officer,
18 and director of the applicant. The department may require the names of all
19 owners and the ownership percentage held by each;
20 (d) A description of the location of the fair, festival, or other event that
21 reasonably indicates where at the event location the products will be sold;
22 (e) Proof of the occurrence and duration of the fair, festival, or other event
23 where the products will be sold; and
24 (f) 1. A statement that neither the applicant nor any other person referred to
25 in this section has been convicted of:
26 a. Any misdemeanor directly or indirectly attributable to the sale of
27 illicit substances or illegal tobacco, nicotine, or vapor products;
Page 16 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 b. Any violation involving a controlled substance that is described
2 in or classified pursuant to KRS Chapter 218A within the two (2)
3 years immediately preceding the application;
4 c. Any felony within five (5) years from the later of the date of
5 parole or the date of conviction; or
6 d. Knowingly providing false information to the department
7 preceding the application.
8 2. A statement that the applicant or any other person referred to in this
9 section has not had any license that has been issued under KRS
10 Chapter 438 revoked for cause within two (2) years prior to the date of
11 the application.
12 (2) If, after a license has been issued, there is a change in any of the facts required to
13 be set forth in the application, a verified supplemental statement in writing giving
14 notice of the change shall be filed with the department within ten (10) days after
15 the change.
16 (3) In giving any notice or taking any action in reference to a license, the department
17 may rely upon the information furnished in the application or in the
18 supplemental statement connected with the application as accurate and truthful.
19 The information required to be furnished in the application or supplemental
20 statement shall be deemed material in any prosecution for perjury.
21 (4) The department shall not have the authority to establish any additional
22 requirements for licensure or licensure renewal beyond those statutorily required.
23 (5) (a) Within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this Act, the department shall
24 publish and maintain on its website the required application, renewal form,
25 and instructions for a temporary tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license.
26 (b) The application, renewal form, and instructions shall:
27 1. Be public-facing;
Page 17 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 2. Be published outside of the department's licensure portal;
2 3. Not require a person to log into an account for access; and
3 4. Have a quick link for easy access on a main tab or section of the
4 department's website.
5 Section 13. The following KRS section is repealed:
6 438.3065 Transitional license.
7 Section 14. Notwithstanding any laws to the contrary, this Act shall not be
8 construed to delay enforcement of Sections 8, 9, or 10 of this Act or KRS 438.311,
9 438.315, or 438.3071.
10 Section 15. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, including 2026 RS SB
11 145/EN:
12 (1) Within 60 days of the effective date of this Act, any retailer selling tobacco,
13 nicotine, or vapor products in Kentucky that does not hold a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor
14 product license required by this Act shall remit the initial application form and the
15 licensing fee required in Section 5 of this Act to the department to obtain an initial
16 license;
17 (2) If a retailer is approved, the department shall issue a license within 14
18 business days; and
19 (3) If a retailer is licensed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the retailer
20 shall renew annually on the date of issuance unless the retailer elects to renew by batch
21 license pursuant to Section 5 of this Act.
22 Section 16. Any licensee who has obtained a tobacco, nicotine, and vapor
23 product license under KRS 438.305 to 438.350 in calendar year 2025 shall have the
24 licensing fee of five hundred dollars ($500) paid in calendar year 2025 credited to the
25 licensee's upcoming licensing fee payment for licensure renewal in calendar year 2026.
26 Licensees not seeking renewal shall not receive a refund or credit and the licensing fee
27 paid in calendar year 2025 shall be retained by the department.
Page 18 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN
1 Section 17. Sections 1 to 12 of this Act shall not modify, invalidate, or
2 otherwise negatively affect a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license that:
3 (1) Was issued by the department prior to July 1, 2026; and
4 (2) Remains in good standing with the department on July 1, 2026.
5 Section 18. Sections 2 to 10 of this Act shall be retroactive to January 1, 2026.
6 Section 19. Whereas the proper regulation and licensing of tobacco, nicotine,
7 and vapor products are crucial for public safety and protection, an emergency is declared
8 to exist, and this Act takes effect upon its passage and approval by the Governor or upon
9 its otherwise becoming a law.
Page 19 of 19
SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM EngrossedEvery fact on this page links to its source, starting with the official bill record.